Bridge To Terabithia

Hardcover | June 1, 1987

In this unforgettable story, Jess and Leslie, competitors at first, then unlikely friends, together create a magical land called Terabithia. Courage inspired by their friendship prepares Jess for an unforeseen tragedy. Now in a special twenty-fifth anniversary edition, young readers can discover Bridge to Terabithia, truly one of the most celebrated children's novels of our time.

In this unforgettable story, Jess and Leslie, competitors at first, then unlikely friends, together create a magical land called Terabithia. Courage inspired by their friendship prepares Jess for an unforeseen tragedy. Now in a special twenty-fifth anniversary edition, young readers can discover Bridge to Terabithia, truly one of the m...

Educational/Developmental Value:

Durability:

Hours of Play:

Thank you. Your review has been submitted and will appear here shortly.

Reviews

Rated 5 out of
5 by
BusyWoman from
ClassicRead this a dozen times. Truly a classic.

Date published: 2016-11-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Aimee from
Childhood favoriteI loved this book as a child, and it didn't disappoint as an adult. Poignant and sad. Loved it then, loved it now!

Date published: 2013-08-31

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Matt_Millar from
Great ReadIn the fourth grade when I first read this book, I loved it. It reminded me of my ‘secret hideouts’ and places like my tree house that I used as a way to get away from my parents. But when I read it later on, it was a real tearjerker. The assumptions that the entire adult population has about children and their ability to cope with situations like death are very blemished. As an adult, I tend to hold back feelings when a terrible situation arises, but this book teaches that not only is it good to let these out, but it also shows how sometimes going to your own little world makes you that much stronger to get through the tough times.

Date published: 2013-03-13

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Laura_Roy from
Great Story but..Great Story but needed descriptions in places it didn't have them and could have left some bits out. I enjoyed the movie more.

Date published: 2012-01-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Todd_Imrie from
Wonderful Novel !It is difficult for me to overrate how important this book is in my life. Katherine Paterson is a good writer anyway. It seems that this book will always be the peak of her success due to its' marvelous depiction of friendship. In many ways that is the whole point of the book. Due to a tragic twist at its' end it is also about how a good friendship can inspire one to deal with lifes' harships. That is why "Bridge To Terabithia " will always be one of my favourite novels. It is brilliantly written. It is has wonderful characters. It was made into a film that was equally good. Perhaps adding to its' poignancy is the fact that it was inspired by a true story. Make that definitely rather than perhaps. "Bridge To Terabithia" is wonderful in many ways. The most important is the fact that it in all of the right ways for exactly all the right reasons it inspire people to cherish the frienships they have in their own lives.

Date published: 2010-02-10

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Peachy_TO from
Truly magicalBridge to Terabithia is a simple and beautiful story about a cherished and authentic friendship between a boy and a girl. The fact that the relationship was wholesome, lacking any underlying suggestive measure, made it all the more emotive and tender. Katherine Paterson shares with us the importance of artistic expression, standing up to ones fears and the certainty that knowledge is to be shared. Loneliness is a running theme that we watch diminish through two outcasts who forge a bond, first, through competition, then, imagination. Sadly, there is no happy ending to this tale, but it does approach mortality and the stages of grieving in a very honest and delicate way. I am of the belief that even though we try to shelter our children from heartache wherever possible, they should be aware of some of the harsh realities in life, as well as how they should deal with the feelings that arise from such tragedies. The ability to inform them of these truths only better prepares them for the sometimes cruel world ahead. www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

Date published: 2009-01-05

Rated 4 out of
5 by
emerson_entwistle from
Jesse and LeslieThis was a good book. I loved the range of emotion the characters went through, happiness to depression. I first read this book in grade 5 and I didn't remember the fantasy that was depicted in the movie so I decided to re-read. I'm glad I did and there was barely any mention of fantasy creatures, but I don't care. This was an amazing book and the relationships seemed real. Jesse and Leslie are likeable characters who enriched each others lives tremendously and it was sad to see them part. I did tear up at the end, but it is sad. Overall I recommend this, highly as it is a great novel for kids.

Date published: 2008-06-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Classic kid litFunny, touching story about friendship and imagination.

Date published: 2007-07-31

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lynn_Peplinski from
AmazingThe characters mixed the real world with lots of imagination. It was a great beginning and end. It was about two kids that didn't have other friends to be with. Lots of emotion from being really happy to being disappointed, for the characters. This was the first novel I ever read. I loved it. I'm 9 years old in grade 4.

Date published: 2007-06-01

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Didn't Live Up To ExpectationsProbably because of the commercials for the movie Bridge to Terabithia, I was quite disappointed in Katherine Paterson's book. I was expecting tons of magical fantasy, but instead got a story about a friendship between a boy and a girl. Their invented world is only occassionally mentioned and barely described. This is a tragic novel that I would only recommend to anyone interested in reading relationship-type novels.

Date published: 2007-03-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Fantastic, Loving itWhen I read this book I was so surprised that I loved it, I could really feel where Jess was coming from when the tradgity occured. I really felt what the writer was trying to say. It made me cry. I really felt sorry for Jess. But he has one special thing that Leslie and him created. He has Terabithia he will always remember her, she changed him for good. I also watched the movie AMAZING. In the book Leslie moves to where Jess lives, with the hate for Leslie. After finding away for friendship. As Leslie Teaches him imagination, he has also learned many more things. as then he does something special for his sister. As his imagination goes on, he makes Terabithia more special. I REALLY HOPE THAT SHE MAKES ANOTHER ONE, because it seems as though there should be a next one. Please make another one Katherine Paterson.

Date published: 2007-03-01

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Absolutely SpectacularThis Book is an amazing book. I cried so much and felt so sad about Jess; I was thinking how could he go on. I wouldn't have been able to go on. This book is my personal favorite. I completely recommend it. I really fell in love with this book and I am sure that you will also. This book keept on wanting me to flip the pages and read more and more until I finished I really hope another one comes out.

Date published: 2007-02-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Brianne_Whalen from
Wonderful StoryThis amazing book tells you about Jesse Aarons, and how he meets a girl, Leslie Burke, and they become best friends. Jesse and Leslie make a secret place, and they call it "Teribithia". In the events that unfold, Jesse learns the true meaning of friendship, and learns Leslie Burke changed his life.

Date published: 2006-12-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Fantastic!I remember reading this book as a student in grade 4. It was the first book I remember touching me the way that it did...I believe I cried reading it along with the rest of my class and teacher. Now as a teacher I am looking to buy it in case I have a grade 4 class someday! I think everyone should read this book...children and adults alike.

Date published: 2006-08-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
A Real Friendship!This book is truly compelling showing the bonds between to friends, after a trajic incident this friendship is tested and look throughed the eyes of one of them who was greatly affected! A great emotional, personal read, that some may be able to connect with! You'll fall in love immediatly!

Date published: 2006-07-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
ClassicNo library should be without. Every kid, and grown up, should read this book. I have read hundred's of books, and to this day Bridge to Terabithia remains a favourite.

Date published: 2006-06-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jasmine from
WonderfulI had the pleasure of reading this book in grade 4. It was one of the best books, and the first one to make me cry. I am now going to order it for my daughter to read when she is older.

Date published: 2006-02-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Todd_Imrie from
Sadness As Excellence PersonifiedThis is one of the few books from my childhood that I specifically remember reading for the simple reason that it went to an extreme. Things in life are like that. Average tends to be forgotten as life in the middle doesn't always impress as being that exciting. What is remembered are those things that are extremely good or extremely bad. The Bridge to Terebithia impresses as being extremely good because it has such an intelligent, honest, unpretentious approach to its' subject matter. Its' plotline is of a pair of teenagers in the form of Jesse, a 14-year-old boy, and his 14-year-old best friend in the form of a girl named Leslie who from a strong bond of friendship with one another because of their total lack-of-pretence no bullcrap honest decent approach to one another. This leads them to a place called Terebithia which they describe as a kingdom that they can visit but there is no doubt that they are its' chief inhabitants. Yet it remains a special place and that is because it nevertheless has a lot of wonderful things in it and that is because there is magic there. That is all I will say about The Bridge To Terebithia . To say any more about it would totally spoil what makes this book good. That is in part because it ends so sadly. And yet there is an upbeat aspect to the end that lets you know that the characters will know how to do what is best. Perhaps that is too much of a spoiler right there. But it nevertheless is an accurate description of these characters in terms of what they are capable of. This book is sad. I have to state that. But those who enjoy superb storytelling will appreciate that this is a natural part of the story. This book is one of the few stories in the world that has turned out just right.

Date published: 2005-10-15

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Jackie from
Average but PopularI decided to read this book because everyone in my school was reading about it and talking about it. When I first read it, I found the beginning quite good. My final impression was that it was average, because most of it was boring, especially the parts about Jess and Leslie inside Terabithia.

Date published: 2005-05-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Harry from
Bridge To TerabithiaI don't have anything to say except this book is EXCELLENT and YOU just have to read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date published: 2005-04-11

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Esther from
DullEveryone was making a huge deal about this book so about two years ago I read it and-WOW it's boring. OK I admit there are some sentimental values in this book but it never kept me wanting to read the next page.

Date published: 2005-01-13

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Andrew from
Amazing Piece Of Literaturethis is such a great boook. our teacher read this to us in grade 5, but it isnt really a childrens book. there is so much emotion, and for someone in grade five you cant really understand and appriciate it.

Date published: 2004-01-13

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Jake from
OKAYKP wrote a very good book and it was great, but at the end it was a little confusing, i mean the very ending, the last page. other than that it's great!

Date published: 2003-05-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Hungy_Difu from
Sad, but great!I reccomend this book to everyone.

Date published: 2003-05-14

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Ducy_Lui from
Bridge ReviewBridge to Terabithia is a exillerating and exaciting!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is an awesome book and the ending is *shocking*

Date published: 2003-05-04

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Hailey from
AMAZING!i was first introduced to this book in grade 5 when my male teacher read it to my class. i was incredibly touched when he had tears in his eyes when Leslie died. now, in my first year of college, i can still easily say that this is one of my favourite books. when i am feeling sad or just need a taste of home i always read this book, it is amazing and a must read. i recommend it as highly as possible.

Date published: 2003-02-06

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kayla from
It Was So EnchantingMy garde five teacher chose this book for us to read. We all thought it was going to be so dum and boring. Each time we read the book in class the whole class begged to read more whenever the teacher told us to put the book away. When we were done the book we all got A's or B's on our projects. I'm in grade seven now and I still remember the book perfectly I can still quote some of the parts word for word this is the type of book that you will remember forvever.

Date published: 2002-12-13

Rated 5 out of
5 by
unknowen from
Bridge to TerabithiaThis was a favorite book of my girlfriends, when she was growing up. It was a very touching book down to the heart and brings tears to your eyes. It is a worthwhile read, and i recommend it to anyone looking to learn about themselves no matter how old you are. You can remember your past, or start your future creating your own Terabithia.

Date published: 2002-07-04

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Katarina from
Time for bedI found this book sad at the end but also very boring. I had to read it with my class in grade 5. i almost fell asleep. i would NEVER recommend this book.

Date published: 2002-05-21

Rated 1 out of
5 by
meg from
poorthis book wasn't what i expected we did it in school and i hated it sorry.

Date published: 2002-03-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Sarah from
The Best Book Ever!!!Basically the book is about a guy named Jesse Oliver Aarons Jr., and he meets Leslie Burke, the fastest runner in 5th grade. They become best friends and make a place called Terabithia. Unfortunately, Leslie dies when she swings across the rope to get to Terabithia. She falls off and dies, and Jesse starts to realize the important things in life. I chose this book for a Newbery Novel Study, and I think I made the best choice ever!!!!!!!!! Sarah :)

Date published: 2002-01-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Andrea from
Faboulous...Just FabulousMy grade eight teacher chose this book for my class to read together and I think she chose one of the best books ever. We had to do a report on it afterwaords and I got 100%, only becuase this book was so enjoyable. I totally recommend you read it becuase it is one of the best books ever written!!!!

Date published: 2001-03-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
linda from
Brudge To TerabithiaBridge To Terabithia. I&#8217;ve just finished reading Bridge To Terabithia,a novel written by Katherine Paterson.She wrote this book because her son&#8217;s best friend got struck by lightning and died.At the beginning of reading Bridge To Terabithia the title didn&#8217;t really make sense to me because Jesse didn&#8217;t build the bridge until the last chapter of the book.I thought that Jess built the bridge because Leslie died when she went to Terabithia alone and she was swinging on the rope to get to thy other side of the creek.I think when she was swinging to get to the other side of the creek she fell and hit her head on something and died.I think Jesse built the bridge because he felt really sad for Leslie so he built the bridge so no-one else would get hurt and die like his best friend Leslie Burke. I think this book is fiction and non-fiction.It&#8217;s non-fiction Because the book is related to something similar that happened.I also think it&#8217;s non-fiction because in the book there are 2 best friends,Leslie and Jesse.In the book Leslie dies.David Katherines son and Lisa were best friends and Lisa dies so the book sort of relates in that way.I think the book is fiction because parts in the book are not true like Terabithia.

Date published: 2001-03-01

Rated 4 out of
5 by
hanan from
The Magical World of TerabithiaThe Magical World Terabitha. Bridge to Terabitha is a great book that you may want to read. I think this book would be enjoyed by people ages eight and up. Although some words in the book are hard, you can still enjoy the book but remember when you start the book you can never put it down!!! This book is about a girl named Leslie and a boy named Jess. Jess and Leslie started out hating each other but when they played games together they became really good friends. Though Jess wants to be the fastest runner in fifth grade,but when Leslie came to join the races and beat Jess Jess got mad. After a while,near the ending of the story one of the friends passes away. The theme of this book is &#8220;Learning To Except Changes.&#8221; The lesson in this book is &#8220;You Can Have A Friend That's Close To You,But Remember Every One Has To Go.&#8221; I think by reading this book, I can teach someone how to get over their feelings when there is a tragedy in their lives.

Date published: 2001-03-01

Rated 4 out of
5 by
mahmoud from
An Imaginary Land: Bridge to TerabithiaAn Imaginary Land: Terabithia.The book that me and my literacy group finished reading is called Bridge to Terabithia.This Newbery medal award book is written by Katherine Paterson.The first letter that Katherine Paterson wrote was to her father when she was 7 years old.She likes reading English American books.She lived in Japan for a few years.She came to love it and its foods.Bridge to Terabithia is a fiction type of book. It&#8217;s about friendship and fantasy.The book also has every day things that might happen in your life.The book is quite long; it has 128 pages.There are a few illustrations in the book.The illustrations in the book are black and white.To me the illustrations are very realistic.If you like fantasy you&#8217;ll like this book.This is a great book for ages 10 and up.In this book the main character is a 10 year old boy named Jess.He has a goal that he would like to achieve.Jess gets a new friend named Leslie.Together they make an imaginary land called Terabithia.The main theme in this book is friendship. I really liked this book.The friendship is also a great thing about this book, because Jess' friendship with Leslie got him to learn many th

Date published: 2001-02-28

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Linda from
It is the best book ever!I think that this book is the best ever because it shows that a little boy can have a girl as his best friend. This book is the greatest and I recommend this book to everyone that has a heart to read such a wonderful book like this one.This book has a lot of imaginations that require thinking. I really enjoy this book and My teacher Mrs. Gordon&amp;Mrs.Baker had both read this book to me. This book is so good that I am choosing it to write a book report on it. I hope everyone reads this book!!!

Date published: 2001-01-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Andy_Shen from
The BestThis book is the best book I have ever read. My teacher actually read it to my class. I felt a big lump in my throat and I know that my friends did too. This book seems so real, and I know you will love it if you take the time to read it.

Date published: 2000-12-01

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Jt from
Not ImpressedThis book not only has quite a bit of profanity, but also sexual innuendos, and violence. The lust of a ten year old boy for his teacher is made clear numerous times in this book. I definately would not recommend this as a book for children to read.

Date published: 2000-10-18

Rated 4 out of
5 by
S._Checketts from
MemoriesI remember this book from my childhood and I was very pleased to see it was still listed. This was one of my favorite books and it was one of the first reading experiences that dealt with the death of a child. I remember asking my sister to read it to see what she thought of it (she is three years older than me) and I came into her room and she had tears streaming down her face and I know the book affected her too. At least she was nicer to me that day! Thank you for making this one of the featured books!

Date published: 2000-06-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Brooke.P. from
Excellent bookTHis is an excellent book because it is a very heartwarming story. When I read the book, it brought tears to my eyes. It's a story of friendship between a boy and a girl. I recommend this book for ages 8 to 13. AWESOME BOOK!!

Date published: 2000-05-14

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Kayleigh from
There Have Been BetterBridge To Terabithia was an okay book. It is a hartwarming tale, but I found it got boring after awhile. Mabye I've just read it too many times.

Date published: 2000-03-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jessica from
Road to TerabithiaThis is the best book I have ever read. It is so good and so realistic. I got a huge lump in my throat when I read it. Now I want to own it instead of checking it out of the library!

Date published: 2000-03-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Katrina from
My ReviewThis book is one of the best books that I have ever read!!! Katherine Paterson describes the characters and their feelings so well. It's a very heart-warming book.

Date published: 2000-01-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Snowpee from
My ReviewI thought the book was excellent! I couldn't put it down. It was about confindence in yourself.

Date published: 2000-01-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Katie from
Bridge to Terabithia--The Best Book Ever!!!!This book is the best book I have ever read. My teacher actually read it to my class. I felt a big lump in my throat and I know that my friends did too. This book seems so real, and I know you will love it if you take the time to read it.

Date published: 1999-12-31

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Valerie_Butler from
Bridge to Terabithia ReviewMy name is Valerie Butler, I am 12 years old and I go to Albert College. I have read Bridge to Terebithia, and think it is a heart warming book!!!! It is a excellent story, that will bring tears to your eyes, and will show what a true friend is really about

Date published: 1999-12-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Nicole_Cram from
An excellent bookThis book inspired me. It is absolutely one of the best books I have ever ever read. I could read it again and again and even again. It is definetely not a boring book. This is the complete and utter truth.

Date published: 1999-10-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Arlene from
Bridge To TerabithiaRecommend to any child, but especially to anyone, child or adult, who has lost someone important in their lives. It was used as part of the reading material for a children's literature course I took and the book amazed me. The way Peterson identified directly with all of the emotions a grieving child goes through was scary for me, having gone through it myself as an adult not long before. She makes you realize that the things you are thinking are neither wrong or abnormal. I gave at least three copies of this book away as gifts, it meant that much to me. I can't recommend this Newbery Prize winner enough, for any age.